Benefits of Lightbridge’s Technology

Key Attributes of Lightbridge’s Advanced Nuclear Fuel Designs:

• Once-through fuel cycle based on patented seed and blanket fuel assembly design that efficiently utilizes thorium – no reprocessing of used fuel needed to take advantage of thorium (fissile isotope U-233 bred from thorium is burned in situ providing about one-third of total reactor power output)
• Full compatibility with existing light water reactor designs (no major reactor modifications required)
• Enhanced proliferation resistance of the used fuel (no weapons-suitable material in used fuel)
• Reduced natural uranium requirements (10-15% natural uranium savings)
• Reduced volume (approximately 40% reduction) and long-term radio-toxicity (up to 90% reduction) of used fuel
• Improved fuel cycle economics (cost competitive on the front-end with significant cost savings on the back-end)